Despite Varen’s best efforts to lift my spirits during the ball, Mr. Renfield’s words echoed in my mind throughout the night. As unsettling as they were, I couldn’t deny their truth. If I managed to secure a position within the negotiation squad and have my name signed on the peace treaty, it would solidify my standing in the vampire world. The real issue, however, was that Selene’s name would be right there beside Hadrian’s—because, for all intents and purposes, she still held ...